When we heard Jena Irene Ascuitto was going to do “I Love Rock N’ Roll” by Joan Jett for 80’s week, we thought it was going to be a great song choice for her. What we did not expect, however, was the very interesting and unique twists she’d put on the song!

While Jena’s rendition gradually ramps up into the rock edge we all know and love about this song, it starts off with a softer, jazzier tone that makes your ears perk up and go hmmmmm?

Jena Irene promised she’d go back to the piano this week, but we didn’t have any clue she’d decide to do it with a song like this! We like the combo and think this is one of Jena’s strongest performances yet, despite some negative criticism from the American Idol judges.

You can also take a listen to the studio version of Jena’s song choice this week below.

When I hear a song re-do, especially a song that I really like… I just can’t reprogram to a newer version….. just can’t! Rolling in the Deep is a great song – I love it –just the way it is — did not like Jena’s version — same for ‘I Love R&R” — just can’t change a classic.

Jena’s done an Arrows cover. “I Love Rock N Roll” was originally released by The Arrows in 1975 produced by Mickie Most on RAK records UK. The Arrows recorded the original version and wrote the song. Their 4th single release, the song got the Arrows their own weekly TV series which is how Jett became aware of the song, watching the Arrows show while she was on tour with the Runaways in 1976. So, Jett’s is a cover, just like Jena Irene’s is a cover. Jena’s sounds nothing like Jett’s cover.